Montgomery County Food Bank Needs Donations | News

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (WUSA) -- Staff and volunteers at Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, prepare boxes of food to go home to people who've fallen on tough times. They're filled with fresh produce, canned food and baked goods.

"The need is really growing in Montgomery County," says Manna Food Center Executive Director Kim Damion. "It is one of the wealthiest communities in the country, but the fact remains there are thousands of our residents in need. There are pockets of poverty. It's a hidden problem, but a reality."

An estimated two to three hundred families a day will receive a box once a month. Many of them line up for the extra handout, including Beverly Flanagan of Damascus.

"Actually it's helping me to survive," says Flanagan. "I'm on disability. I've had six surgeries in five years and that took me down in income and work."

The Manna Food Center relies mostly on food drives and donations from local grocers, which are trucked to the food center every morning. But this year, supplies are falling short as the number of households in need has more than doubled in the last three years.

The freezer is usually full of turkey and ham,  but now, it's virtually empty. Manna Food Center is hoping the community can help out with generous donations.

The Manna Food Center is at 9311 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD. Click on this link to get to their website with more information, including the latest on its food drives.